NAEYC Children's Champions Alert

At this moment, Congress is beginning to put together its part of the annual budget process. The President announced his priorities -- $1.6 billion increase for the Child Care & Development Block Grant; $989 million increase for Early Head Start and Head Start; and $1 billion increase for Child Nutrition. But Congress is not required to adopt his request. So now we need you, your colleagues, family members and friends to Call Your Members of Congress - March Forth on March 4th. Even in a difficult budget year, Congress will be making spending choices. These are the right investments for our economic recovery and children's lifelong learning.

On March 4th, you can call using a toll free number 1-888-460-0813 OR you can call the Capitol Switchboard directly at 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121. To find your Senators and Representative you can put in your zip code at www.naeyc.org/policy/action. Tell the switchboard which Senators and which Representative you need. The volume of calls tomorrow is very important. If you can't call tomorrow during business hours, you can email your members of Congress.

Message (personalize with your experience working in or with child care, Head Start/Early Head Start, and CACFP):

I am a constituent and I'm calling to make sure that the Senator/Representative will support significant increases in child care, Head Start and child nutrition in the coming federal budget.

These programs help families work, and children learn and be healthy. For too many years, Congress has failed to give these programs additional funds, making it more difficult for working families to have stable jobs and for children to have good early learning and nutrition.

The President's request includes $1.6 billion for child care, $989 million for Head Start and Early Head Start and $1 billion for Child Nutrition. We urge the Senator/Representative to support no less than these amounts.

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